Footnotes

This Series 3 V8 saloon benefits from conversion to 7.0-litre specification by renowned marque specialists R S Williams Ltd and is the first fuel-injected example so converted. Based at Cobham, Surrey, Richard Stewart Williams Ltd is one of the most respected of the independent firms specialising in Aston Martins. With over 35 years of engineering and motor racing experience with the marque, R S Williams is synonymous with performance at all levels of motor sport ranging from club and historic racing through to the Aston Martin factory World Sports Car Championship effort including the Le Mans 24 Hours. The company's 7.0-litre engine conversion is offered in three different configurations: automatic specification which concentrates on mid-range torque to suit the automatic gearchange characteristics; manual specification based on a 580X Vantage; and fuel injected specification for ultimate performance, all of which run on unleaded fuel. The package includes upgrades to engine mountings, differential mountings and the differential carrier, while handling and brake upgrades also are available. Popular Classics' Mark Dixon was impressed by its vital statistics: 'Your average Aston Martin V8 of the late seventies puts out roughly 330bhp from its 5.3-litre engine, respectable enough, but not excessive given the weight of the car it has to push around. The RSW 7-litre offers a rather more impressive 510bhp at 5500rpm and, even more importantly, 520lb/ft of torque at 4000rpm. Let's put that into perspective: the figures for Lamborghini's Diablo are 485bhp and 428lb/ft respectively.'The current vendor purchased this V8 saloon via R S Williams in January 2001 at 36,000 miles, its registration at that time being 'E601 KYH'. A week later the car was converted by RSW to 7.0-litre EFi specification including modifications to the differential mounting bracket, engine mounts and alternator plus upgrading the gearbox and torque converter and fitting a high-capacity gearbox oil cooler and sports exhaust system. A 'PoW' front spoiler and Nardi steering wheel were fitted also and the total cost of these works came to more than £30,000.Other works carried out at this time by Auto Audio of London included a complete interior re-trim in black Connolly Autolux hide with contrasting grey carpeting to the cabin and luggage compartment, the wood trim being re-veneered at the same time. The car was also fitted with a tracker, a Becker Traffic Pro and an Alpine hi-fi speaker system, which included bespoke door pockets housing the front speakers.In December 2001 the Aston went back to RSW for further engine development and improvements at a cost of £5,000 (dynamometer sheets available) which was followed by chassis/sill work and general improvements including a sports exhaust system and manifold, latest brakes, etc in 2001/02 at a cost of £20,000. Aston Martin Works Service and R S Williams continued to maintain the car between 2002 and 2005.In 2005 marque specialists Bodylines replaced the sills and wheelarches, the latter being changed to the PoW/Vantage type (see bill for circa £5,000 on file) and the car then went to AM specialists Spray Tec Restorations for painting in grey and finishing, which added a further £15,000 to the bill. A new set of Ronal 16" alloy wheels, complete with appropriate tyres, was supplied by Aston Martin Works Service and fitted by Spray Tec, completing its transformation. Its odometer currently reading 41,775 miles, the car was last serviced in July 2007 (at 41,737 miles) by AMWS and will be presented for sale fresh from servicing by R S Williams. Accompanying documentation consists of the aforementioned bills, numerous old MoTs and tax discs, Swansea V5C document and fresh MoT. It should be noted that the cherished registration 'OOO 77' is being retained by the vendor.

Saleroom notices

The cherished registration number is being retained by the vendor, and the necessary paperwork is currently being processed. When the new V5C has been issued, Bonhams will forward this to the new owner.

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.

Buyers' Obligations

ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.

If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.